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Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

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This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food. It blends tender pasta, juicy chicken, creamy buffalo sauce, and plenty of melted cheese into one hearty dish. Easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this pasta bake will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 400 g pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce
  • 225 g cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or freshly cooked chicken breast or thighs.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and softened cream cheese. Stir until the chicken is fully coated and the sauce is smooth.
  4. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the chicken mixture. Mix well to enhance the flavor.
  5. Stir the drained pasta into the buffalo chicken mixture until every piece of pasta is evenly coated.
  6. Grease a large baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray. Spread the pasta mixture evenly inside the dish.
  7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese generously over the top. For a cheesier bake, mix some of the cheese into the pasta before topping.
  8. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
  9. For a golden top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
  10. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

Use turkey bacon or chicken ham instead of traditional options for a lighter version.

This dish can be made milder by reducing the amount of buffalo sauce or using a mild version.

Add vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

The pasta bake can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 25

Find it online: https://recipesmars.com/2025/09/cheesy-buffalo-chicken-pasta-bake/